There's no denying the cost benefits of using rebuilt and remanufactured equipment on the jobsite.
There's no denying the cost benefits of using rebuilt and remanufactured equipment on the jobsite.
There's no denying the cost benefits of using rebuilt and remanufactured equipment on the jobsite. As noted by Steve Scott, director of product development with Industrial Parts Depot, the use of such hardware can amount to a cost-savings of up to 55%
Despite the potential savings, construction foremen and superintendents must always keep the safety of their workers as their topmost priority. As such, there are a number of signs to look for when examining rebuilt or remanufactured construction equipment. Paying attention to these signs might even save a life some day:
1. Brand Name Certification and Warranty
For starters, look for a brand name certification when trying to determine the safeness of a rebuilt machine. Companies of varying sizes, from Bortek to Volvo, maintain their own remanufacturing and recertification programs. Not only do these initiatives help to reduce the overall amount of waste that is directed into our nation's landfills, but they also reduce the amount of cash that is diverted from your pocketbook.
Moreover, equipment that is rebuilt or remanufactured through a reputable brand name almost always includes a brand new warranty. The exact type, length and terms of the warranty can vary greatly between manufacturers, so make sure to read the fine print before committing to a purchase.
2. Environmental Impact
In some cases, used and outdated equipment is remanufactured in order to lessen its environmental impact. This might be a mandatory action as a result of recent legislative changes or the simple desire to embrace new and emerging trends in environmental protection. In either case, the equipment in question will be far safer for the environment than its previous incarnation.
3. Low Usage
Next, try to look for equipment that has a low amount of previous work hours. Anything between 3,000 and 5,000 hours is relatively low, so this type of machinery should be reliable as well as safe. If purchased through an official remanufacturing and recertification channel, such equipment should have plenty of life left to make it worth the investment.
Apart from the actual amount of past usage, you'll also want to inquire about the exact type of work it was used for. While a dealer might not have access to such information, it certainly doesn't hurt to ask. A vehicle that was used to support labor-intensive projects will likely have more wear and tear as opposed to one that was used to haul workers, materials or tools from jobsite to jobsite.
4. Check for Safety Documentation
You'll also want to check for the presence of any safety-related documentation, including any user guides, service manuals and even safety stickers on the equipment itself. These materials often provide important notices, including safety guidelines, for operating and working with such machinery. If you notice any missing documentation or stickers, bring it up to the dealer immediately. Documentation may have been replaced, and stickers are easily damaged, so this isn't a surefire red flag. However, it is a big enough issue that it should be addressed before taking your new equipment to the jobsite.
5. Outward Appearance
Finally, make sure to examine the external appearance of the machinery in question. This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s often overlooked by novice buyers. Examine the exterior finish for any dents, cracks or chips, as these could lead to more serious problems down the road. You'll also want to verify that all electrical systems and components are in working order, too. Failure to do so could result in permanent damage to other parts of the machine.
Cat provides a plethora of resources, including detailed checklists, for consumers to use when inspecting rebuilt or remanufactured equipment. These checklists can also be applied to new and used equipment as well
Maintain an Emphasis on Safety
Examining the safety of a rebuilt or remanufactured vehicle before taking it off the lot is only the first step. In order to ensure the long-term safety, reliability and efficiency of all your equipment, it's critical that you stress safety on the jobsite. Make sure all of your heavy equipment operators receive any required certifications and that your general laborers are aware of common jobsite safety practices. Taking this step after purchasing your remanufactured equipment is critical to ensuring the safety of your rebuilt machinery for years to come.
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